Shepherds Pie is a perfect St. Patrick's Day meal. A hearty and filling crowd pleaser to fuel more shenanigans. For the Cooking Lounge preparation guide and more photos, click here.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Erin Go Bragh! - Sheperds Pie for St. Patrick's Day
FOOD:
Shepherds Pie is a perfect St. Patrick's Day meal. A hearty and filling crowd pleaser to fuel more shenanigans. For the Cooking Lounge preparation guide and more photos, click here.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
Shepherds Pie is a perfect St. Patrick's Day meal. A hearty and filling crowd pleaser to fuel more shenanigans. For the Cooking Lounge preparation guide and more photos, click here.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
Monday, February 25, 2013
Roast Chicken and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
FOOD:
A Whole Roast Chicken is a good food benchmark for many people around the world.
The crisp, slightly salty skin, the slick chicken fat, juicy meat, herbs and spices add gravy and mashed potatoes, for so many a sigh inducing combination (familiar, satisfying).
The Daily Mail ran a huge airy, winding piece on Nigella Lawson, breaking into the U.S. market and promoting her new book, "Nigellissima: Instant Italian Inspiration." The DM article is an entertaining read for a lazy Sunday morning, with the right mix of food, drama, and plain old common sense. It is understandable why, posh, wealthy and yet relatable, Nigella is revered as a goddess in the U.K. As her parting comment, sexy Nigella served up some knowledge with no-nonsense advice about the lusciousness of a classic simple meal.
Inspired by Nigella Lawson, Cooking Lounge pulled together an impromptu dinner party: Roast Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Sauteed Green Beans.
Called friends. Popped into the butcher. Picked up veges at the produce stand. Gathered in Brooklyn, at a Dumbo loft near the East River. It all seemed to fall into place effortlessly, the perfect meal to wind down the weekend, with the potluck additions of red wine and craft beer, cheese, cupcakes, Italian chocolate, and a Latin mother's holiday concoction - rum, coconut milk and condensed milk - shared with good friends. A sumptuous dinner party pulled together without much fuss or expense.
Whole Roast Chicken was the very first Cooking Lounge post.
Click here for a Cooking Lounge guide for the classic comfort food dish in our launch post.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos:wbj
A Whole Roast Chicken is a good food benchmark for many people around the world.
The Daily Mail ran a huge airy, winding piece on Nigella Lawson, breaking into the U.S. market and promoting her new book, "Nigellissima: Instant Italian Inspiration." The DM article is an entertaining read for a lazy Sunday morning, with the right mix of food, drama, and plain old common sense. It is understandable why, posh, wealthy and yet relatable, Nigella is revered as a goddess in the U.K. As her parting comment, sexy Nigella served up some knowledge with no-nonsense advice about the lusciousness of a classic simple meal.
"...‘Comfort food is comfort food wherever you are and it always comes down to roast chicken and mashed potatoes in the end." Nigella Lawson
There are infinite tasty ways to roast chicken and prepare potatoes. Once you have the basics mastered, experiment with flavors, tailor recipes to your taste or even a theme.
Called friends. Popped into the butcher. Picked up veges at the produce stand. Gathered in Brooklyn, at a Dumbo loft near the East River. It all seemed to fall into place effortlessly, the perfect meal to wind down the weekend, with the potluck additions of red wine and craft beer, cheese, cupcakes, Italian chocolate, and a Latin mother's holiday concoction - rum, coconut milk and condensed milk - shared with good friends. A sumptuous dinner party pulled together without much fuss or expense.
Whole Roast Chicken was the very first Cooking Lounge post.
Click here for a Cooking Lounge guide for the classic comfort food dish in our launch post.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos:wbj
Friday, February 1, 2013
Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro - Super Bowl Recipes
FOOD:
Chips and Salsa are a nationwide Super Bowl tradition.
Tortilla Chips have been mass produced since the 40's, first for the West Coast Mexican food market, and then, the national food market, starting in the 70's. Chips and Salsa are standard fare from Mexican restaurants to Sports bars. Doritos are probably the best known tortilla chip although many more varieties are available. Epicurious rated Bachman Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips #1. Check-out the list. Try one of Epicurious' recommended tortilla chips with Cooking Lounge's Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro.
Cooking Lounge came across Capri Tomatoes that were priced to move. Ripe and sweet, the Capri Tomatoes were better suited for sauce over slicing. Also, on hand in the kitchen was culantro, a variation of cilantro, used extensively in Dominican and Latino cooking. Culantro is also known as recao, long-leafed herb, spiritweed, wild or Mexican coriander, saw leaf herb and a host of other names around the world. Culantro has a robust, distinct cilantro flavor. Remember, be inventive; use what you have on hand. Usual, everyday dishes can become new stars of your culinary repertoire.
Salsa Fresca is quick and easy. With chips, it is ideal for a Super Bowl party or a fresh healthful snack for family and friends. Salsa Fresca with Culantro is excellent on grilled chicken, fish or eggs, too. So, save some salsa to make an ordinary dish a little extraordinary.
Cooking Lounge gives guides more than exact recipes. Play with ingredients. Try colorful heirloom tomatoes as an extra special treat, for example.
Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro
2lb ripe Capri Tomatoes, diced (make quarters then slice in half)
2 tbs fresh Culantro, finely chopped
2 Jalapenos, finely chopped
3 Scallion, finely chopped
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tsp Lime Zest
1tbs Lemon juice
1tbs Lime juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
Ripe Tomatoes have high liquid content so pour off some of the tomato juice before adding the citrus juices and reserve (throw into a stock or a sauce; no need to waste).
Mix well. Ready to serve but better flavor if Salsa Fresca with Culantro sits in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos: wbj
Tortilla Chips have been mass produced since the 40's, first for the West Coast Mexican food market, and then, the national food market, starting in the 70's. Chips and Salsa are standard fare from Mexican restaurants to Sports bars. Doritos are probably the best known tortilla chip although many more varieties are available. Epicurious rated Bachman Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips #1. Check-out the list. Try one of Epicurious' recommended tortilla chips with Cooking Lounge's Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro.
Cooking Lounge came across Capri Tomatoes that were priced to move. Ripe and sweet, the Capri Tomatoes were better suited for sauce over slicing. Also, on hand in the kitchen was culantro, a variation of cilantro, used extensively in Dominican and Latino cooking. Culantro is also known as recao, long-leafed herb, spiritweed, wild or Mexican coriander, saw leaf herb and a host of other names around the world. Culantro has a robust, distinct cilantro flavor. Remember, be inventive; use what you have on hand. Usual, everyday dishes can become new stars of your culinary repertoire.
Salsa Fresca is quick and easy. With chips, it is ideal for a Super Bowl party or a fresh healthful snack for family and friends. Salsa Fresca with Culantro is excellent on grilled chicken, fish or eggs, too. So, save some salsa to make an ordinary dish a little extraordinary.
Cooking Lounge gives guides more than exact recipes. Play with ingredients. Try colorful heirloom tomatoes as an extra special treat, for example.
Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro
2lb ripe Capri Tomatoes, diced (make quarters then slice in half)
2 tbs fresh Culantro, finely chopped2 Jalapenos, finely chopped
3 Scallion, finely chopped
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tsp Lime Zest
1tbs Lemon juice
1tbs Lime juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
Ripe Tomatoes have high liquid content so pour off some of the tomato juice before adding the citrus juices and reserve (throw into a stock or a sauce; no need to waste).
Mix well. Ready to serve but better flavor if Salsa Fresca with Culantro sits in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos: wbj
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Beer Flats Have Curves : Super Bowl 2013
FOOD:
A couple of months ago met Maria Walley of Daelia's Food Company while she was promoting a new product at East Village Cheese Shop.
East Village Cheese Shop is legendary for discount prices on a large variety of cheeses and gourmet products. Got to love that for a Super Bowl party.
Maria's pitch was spot-on. Weeks later received an email from Maria; and, she sent samples of Beer Flats in Pilsner and Porter for Cooking Lounge to review.
The first thing that caught our attention was that Beer Flats have curves. Perfect for scooping and cradling all kinds of tasty bites from cheeses to spreads to cured meats.
At Cooking Lounge, we munched the Beer Flats with Collier's Welsh Cheddar Cheese and an Old Golden Hen English ale, while cooking during the holidays. Of course, the crackers go well with beer.
Beer Flats are hearty, sturdy, whole grain, small batch "artisanal flatbread crackers made with craft beer." The Pilsner Beer Flats are malty and slightly sweet. The Porter Beer Flats are a savory, flavorful balance of rye, caraway, and molasses with hints of cocoa. The Porter Beer Flats are far more complex on the palate. These crackers have great shelf life. An opened box of Beer Flats maintained quality for over a month; they stayed crisp and crunchy.
East Village Cheese Shop is legendary for discount prices on a large variety of cheeses and gourmet products. Got to love that for a Super Bowl party.
The first thing that caught our attention was that Beer Flats have curves. Perfect for scooping and cradling all kinds of tasty bites from cheeses to spreads to cured meats.
At Cooking Lounge, we munched the Beer Flats with Collier's Welsh Cheddar Cheese and an Old Golden Hen English ale, while cooking during the holidays. Of course, the crackers go well with beer.
Beer Flats are hearty, sturdy, whole grain, small batch "artisanal flatbread crackers made with craft beer." The Pilsner Beer Flats are malty and slightly sweet. The Porter Beer Flats are a savory, flavorful balance of rye, caraway, and molasses with hints of cocoa. The Porter Beer Flats are far more complex on the palate. These crackers have great shelf life. An opened box of Beer Flats maintained quality for over a month; they stayed crisp and crunchy.
Super Bowl XLVll is February 3, 2013 in New Orleans.
Beer Flats are a perfect compliment to almost any Super Bowl culinary line-up.
Check-out Cooking Lounge's Super Bowl Recipes - Top 10 Websites from last year.
Beer Flats are available at:
Whole Foods – NY, NJ, Conn
Zabar’s - NYC
Bottle King – NJ
Malt and Mold - NYC
NYmouth.com
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos: wbj
Beer Flats are a perfect compliment to almost any Super Bowl culinary line-up.
Check-out Cooking Lounge's Super Bowl Recipes - Top 10 Websites from last year.
Beer Flats are available at:
Whole Foods – NY, NJ, Conn
Zabar’s - NYC
Bottle King – NJ
Malt and Mold - NYC
NYmouth.com
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos: wbj
COOKING LOUNGE WANTS TO REVIEW and TEST MORE NEW PRODUCTS.
IF YOU HAVE A HIGH-QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, INNOVATIVE PRODUCT, LET US KNOW. COOKING LOUNGE MAY WANT TO TRY YOUR PRODUCT.
CONTACT: WILLIS [@] COOKINGLOUNGE.COM
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Please Like Us on Facebook. Thanks!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
New Destination in the Bowieverse: "Where Are We Now?"
MUSIC:
Could not resist posting about music legend and cultural icon David Bowie's recent release, "Where Are We Now?." New Bowie after nearly a decade! More Bowie to add to the soundtrack of your next dinner party (try Cooking Lounge Good Food ideas).
David Bowie did more in the 70's and 80's than any other successful artist to encourage freaks, geeks and outcasts to love and embrace their uniqueness with performances and near anthems of individuality, decadence and darkness wrapped in trademark chameleon personas. Every album was a seductive invitation to a new destination in the Bowie Universe (Bowieverse). Even Wall Street took notice in the 90's and started trading on the power of Bowie's genius, as asset-backed securities with Bowie Bonds.
Bowie's voice is haunting in "Where Are We Now?", hallowed and graveled with a dark resilient joy (a pulsating light) permeating every lyric uttered -
The lyrics and accompanying music video are drenched in symbolism and open to all kinds of interpretation. The seemingly lo fi video - mise en scene desktop set, grainy slow motion black and white frames, and puppets with supper imposed heads (is this a comment on individuality?) - does what David Bowie does with deft, pull you into the Bowieverse to share his current revelry.
Not the best singer but a master vocalist, "Where Are We Now?" is distinctively Bowie, memorable and melodic, with the ever present Bowie melancholy shocked with rays of light.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
David Bowie did more in the 70's and 80's than any other successful artist to encourage freaks, geeks and outcasts to love and embrace their uniqueness with performances and near anthems of individuality, decadence and darkness wrapped in trademark chameleon personas. Every album was a seductive invitation to a new destination in the Bowie Universe (Bowieverse). Even Wall Street took notice in the 90's and started trading on the power of Bowie's genius, as asset-backed securities with Bowie Bonds.
Bowie's voice is haunting in "Where Are We Now?", hallowed and graveled with a dark resilient joy (a pulsating light) permeating every lyric uttered -
...joy of survival...joy of living... joy of remembrance in hedonistic days-gone-by...
The lyrics and accompanying music video are drenched in symbolism and open to all kinds of interpretation. The seemingly lo fi video - mise en scene desktop set, grainy slow motion black and white frames, and puppets with supper imposed heads (is this a comment on individuality?) - does what David Bowie does with deft, pull you into the Bowieverse to share his current revelry.
Not the best singer but a master vocalist, "Where Are We Now?" is distinctively Bowie, memorable and melodic, with the ever present Bowie melancholy shocked with rays of light.
Cooking Lounge
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Happy Holidays. Cheers!
 |
| Happy Holidays photo: wbj |
Health, Happiness, Prosperity and a Wonder-filled New Year
Cook More. Share a Meal. Spread Love.
Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Dave Brubeck, Jazz Icon - Take Five
MUSIC:
Dave Brubeck was a Jazz Icon. Hard to believe "Take Five" was first recorded in 1959. The legendary musician lived 91 storied years. "Take Five" is still a perfect playlist selection for almost any dinner party, definitely an all time favorite track. Great music is timeless.
Imagine when the Dave Brubeck Quartet played the song in a smoky, dark nigthtclub, the Village Gate. Take five everyone...swirl a cocktail, hug a loved one and enjoy the heavenly gift of Dave Brubeck's talent.
Cooking Lounge
Dave Brubeck was a Jazz Icon. Hard to believe "Take Five" was first recorded in 1959. The legendary musician lived 91 storied years. "Take Five" is still a perfect playlist selection for almost any dinner party, definitely an all time favorite track. Great music is timeless.
Imagine when the Dave Brubeck Quartet played the song in a smoky, dark nigthtclub, the Village Gate. Take five everyone...swirl a cocktail, hug a loved one and enjoy the heavenly gift of Dave Brubeck's talent.
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